Manawatu hosts Totara Rd and Awapuni Air Rifle matches.
The weekend of 7-8 December saw the Totara Rd and Awapuni Air Rifle matches being held on electronic targets at the Manawatu range. Shooters came from as far afield as Waikato and Canterbury, and it was good to see some new entrants this year. For the first time in many years, TSNZ has split air rifle shooters into 3 grades based on their match scores so the matches were awarded in Grades, with the Finals being split into Men’s and Women’s sections.
Congratulations to Owen Bennett and Isabella Adams who took out the Men’s and Women’s Finals on both days, to Owen for winning A Grade both days, and to Sara Penny and Gracie Williams for winning the two B Grade matches.
Scores and photos from the matches are below.
Totara Rd Air Mens PodiumTotara Rd Air Womens PodiumAwapuni Air Women’s PodiumAwapuni Air Men’s Podium
On 12th October 2024 members of the Manawatu Smallbore Rifle Association celebrated their Centenary, having been active in the region for 100 years.
Displays of rifles, clothing, awards, team photos, targets, and other shooting material from over the years were presented at the Association range in Palmerston North. The map and information from Clubs that were involved in the Association were of interest to many of those who popped in – the region has involved 29 Clubs from Rangiwahia in the north to Otaki in the south – and the change in technology in both clothing and rifles from the early days to now was clear to see.
The celebration continued with a presentation dinner at the Distinction Hotel, with 70 guests enjoying speeches, a good meal, celebratory drinks and cake, and excellent company.
Past members caught up with current ones, and each other, and many tales were heard of how “in the old days” inter-club shooting could run to 1 or 2am, with both scores and suppers then being reported in the local newspaper.
The current MSRA clubs of Bulls, Colyton, Marton, Rongotea, and Rifle Rod & Gun, still taking part in inter-club shoots, and many members continue to represent the Manawatu region in both National and International events.
Many thanks go to Manawatu District Council who provided financial support for this event, and to those members who helped out with the historical displays.
MSRA Centenary souvenir glasses (red wine, white wine, stemless wine, gin and whiskey) and coasters (glass or rimu) are still available for purchase, and clothing (option of polar fleece, hoodie, softshell jacket) can be ordered on request.
Summer is here – it’s time to shoot outdoors! Manawatu Outdoor Club has its first Club night on Monday 7th October, and indoor shooters are warmly welcomed if they’d like to come and have a go. Club information is attached and on the Manawatū Outdoor Club page – you just need to have your own gear and be already shooting independently with a scope. Text Jackie on 021 515 320 by 2pm on any Monday if you’d like a changer set up for you. Come along and experience the laid-back atmosphere of outdoor shooting, where the challenges of the wind and weather are easily balanced out by the fun of music and companionship.
